Having tried many of the gluten-free nutritional and protein shakes available in health food stores, I can generally say that they taste dreadful! I prefer to make my own shakes and smoothies because they taste considerably better. A high-speed blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec) also makes much better smoothies than a regular blender, and is well worth the few extra dollars.
Recently, I have started to add gelatin to my smoothies. Gelatin helps to provide the body with the amino acids that are necessary to build connective tissue (bone, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, hair, and nails). Great Lakes Gelatin (Collagen Hydrolysate) contains 90% protein that is easily absorbed by the body. The Collagen Hydrolysate Gelatin is cold water soluble, which makes it perfect for protein drinks and smoothies.
Chai Tea Protein Smoothie
paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, refined sugar-free, can be caffeine-free, nut-free or vegan
1 cup steeped chai tea or decaf chai tea (I steep it in a glass measuring cup to get the exact amount. Use 1 to 2 tea bags depending how strong you would like it. I like Celestial Seasonings because it states that it is gluten-free.)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 cup almond milk or nut-free milk like hemp seed milk
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon nut or seed butter (almond butter or nut-free butters like pumpkin seed butter or sunflower seed butter.)
2 tablespoons gelatin (I use the green Great Lakes gelatin because it dissolves in cold water)
1 or 2 handfuls of ice cubes
1. Steep the tea in boiling water in a glass measuring cup until it is fairly strong. Remove the tea bags.
2. Add the coconut oil to the tea.
3. Pour the tea into a high-speed blender.
4. Add the almond or hemp seed milk, maple syrup and nut or seed butter. Puree.
5. While the blender is running, add the gelatin (vegans or vegetarians - omit the gelatin).
6. Stop the blender and add the ice cubes. Puree until smooth.
*Makes 2-3 servings.
